Our hair structure is mostly a fibrous protein called keratin.And the best way we can help strengthen our hair is through doing protein treatments.Those who relax their hair or chemically color it, should do protein treatments more often,but those who keep their hair natural should also factor in a protein treatment.
Our hair loses protein almost every day, but this sometimes gets put back by the products we use.Most products will contain ingredients that have some protein, like avocado oil has a smallamount of protein. However, every day use products usually do not have enough protein to compensate for protein we lose through every day activities.
We lose protein when we handle our hair, when we comb, brush and style our hair.  We lose protein when our hair rubs against our jackets and polo necks. We lose protein and moisture due to dry air created by heaters and heating air conditioners that we use more of in winter.  We lose protein almost daily and eventually our hair starts to suffer.

Signs Your Hair Needs Protein:
– Low elasticity: when you stretch your hair, whether wet or dry, and it doesn’t snap back or returnto its natural state or curl pattern
– Limpness: when your hair feels limp, stringy or gummy when wet
– Dryness: When your hair is excessively dry and you have tried deep moisturising conditioning treatments
If you like to use a blow dryer, a curling iron or a straightening iron on your hair, then look our for these signs often to protein treat on time.

How Often Should You Do A Protein Treatment?
When misused, too much protein on hair will cause hair to be stiff, brittle and break.Every head of hair differs and the balancing of moisture and protein in your hair care regimewill differ from the next person.  But as a rule of thumb, a good hair regime factors in a protein treatment once every 4 – 6 weeks.  If you use heat often, colour dye your hair or wash your hair often you may consider factoring in a protein treatment more sooner.  Heat styling and handling hair often cause the protein bonds to have holes and therefore require aprotein treatment more often.

Should I Do A Protein Treatment When I Do Protective Styles Often In Winter?
Winter is the perfect time to do protective styles not only is it convenient but comfortable as it keeps our heads warmer.  Protective styling when done well can help retain hair lengthand it is always a good idea to do a protein treatment followed by a moisturizing treatment between protective styles OR if you keep your braids for longer than 4 weeks, then definitely do a protein treatment